With Lewis Hamilton ahead of other drivers battling to take his crown, everything is set for a thrilling season run-in. Venue for the Hungarian Grand Prix since it was established as Formula 1’s first venture behind the Iron Curtain in 1986, the Hungaroring is located outside Budapest in Mogyoród. Always held in the height of summer, the event is a fans’ favourite, with parties taking place across the city.
Background
A popular fixture on the annual Formula 1 calendar, today including destinations as far-flung as Azerbaijan, China and Abu Dhabi, the Hungarian Grand Prix actually dates back to 1936 when 100,000 gathered in Népliget to see great Italian pre-war star Tazio Nuvolari, ‘The Flying Mantovani’, drive his Alfa Romeo into first place. Another finisher was Hungarian László Hartmann, who two years later died after crashing his car into the palm trees lining the circuit in Tripoli, Libya. Few Magyars have featured in Formula 1 since.
Fifty years after the first Hungarian Grand Prix, a modern-day circuit was set up at Mogyoród. Initially, Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, keen to expand the brand behind the Iron Curtain, was in discussion with Moscow, before he turned his attention to Budapest.
Various venues were considered – Ecclestone was also understood to be looking at a Monaco-type course around streets in the city centre – before Mogyoród was settled upon.
Circuit
The layout, created by computer, was devised by engineers István Papp and István Gulácsi. The circuit was originally 4km in length, but since then reconstruction has extended it to 4.4km, with 14 turns. The twisting track is tricky and dusty, a real trial of strength for the drivers in the heat. Construction only took eight months from October 1, 1985, and the first race was held in the following March. On August 10, 1986, the first post-war Hungarian Grand Prix was won by Nelson Piquet, followed by Ayrton Senna.
The Hungarian Grand Prix has been a regular fixture in the Formula 1 racing calendar ever since – and is currently contracted to continue until 2026.
The Hungaroring is built in the middle of a broad valley. Approximately 80% of the course is visible from every seat, making it ideal for spectators.
Tickets & informationTickets, for Friday, Saturday, race-day Sunday or the whole weekend, are still available in certain sections – for details see the Hungaroring website.
How to get thereBy public transport: Ticket holders are entitled to free bus transfers to Gate 3 of the Hungaroring at Mogyoród from Örs vezér tere at the terminus of the red M2 metro line (every 30mins, journey time 30mins).
By car: Traffic jams are notoriously bad on the roads that surround Mogyoród during the race weekend, and parking at Hungaroring’s free spaces (by gates 2 and 8) is a particularly daunting prospect. Directions to Mogyoród from central Budapest are fairly straightforward, taking motorway M3 and leaving via Gate 19. Make sure you have a motorway pass and fill up the tank in case of traffic jams.
The GPS code for the main gate is N 47° 35' 0.5" E 19° 14' 33.45"
By taxi: To reach the track from Budapest, the taxi company recommended by Hungaroring is 6×6 Taxi. An average fare from the city centre is €40, from Budapest Airport around €60.
By helicopter: Combine deluxe sightseeing with a quick and comfortable ride from Budapest Prestige Heliport (located on the Pest riverfront in District XIII) directly to the track at prices from 52,000 forints (€160) per person one-way. A chopper service is also available from Budapest Airport. Check this website for details.
Watching the race
For those who can’t make it to the races, the Grand Prix is broadcast live at numerous hangouts around Budapest, including BB’z Bar & Grill in the party quarter and the open-air Champs Sziget Beer Garden on Margaret Island.
After the winners are doused with champagne on Sunday, this year’s main celebration will be the Hublot The Gr1d Club after-party at the Marriott Hotel. From as little as €120, with access after midnight, you can rub shoulders with famous drivers and the Grand Prix fraternity on the dance floor. There’s an open bar serving signature drink, Budapest’s own Opera Gin, along with other premium spirits. VIP tickets start from €250 (minimum two people). All details here.
